Specsavers has marked 15 years of partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, unveiling a new range of stylish limited-edition frames created in collaboration with Ernabella artist and Pitjantjatjara woman Atipalku Intjalki.
This is the 10th Indigenous artist collaboration for Specsavers, with AU$25 from each frame sold supporting the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program.
This year’s collection holds particular significance, marking a return to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, where the first artist collaboration with Langaliki began.
The recent WHO declaration… is a reminder of what long-term partnership and community-led care can achieve
It was in the APY Lands that Fred Hollows dedicated some of his earliest efforts to eliminating trachoma, establishing a legacy that continues today through long-standing relationships with Anangu communities and organisations, including Nganampa Health Council. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared that Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
Design Connected to Country
At the heart of this year’s collection is the artwork Tjukurpa Mulayangu. Drawing on more than five decades of artistic practice, Ms Intjalki brings to life a powerful narrative deeply rooted in her connection to Country. Her vibrant design portrays her father’s Country, featuring tjanpi (native grass) and numerous tjukula (waterholes). Central to the story is Mulayangu, a wanampi (water snake) whose journey across the APY Lands is said to have created the rockholes that sustain life in the region. Through the work, Ms Intjalki reflects on generations of shared heritage, weaving together ancestral storytelling, landscape, and enduring cultural connection.
“For 50 years, I have made art here in the middle of my community. I paint my father’s Country to keep his story alive,” said Ms Intjalki.
“It’s really lovely to see my artwork on the Specsavers frames. I make my work inside the Ernabella Art Centre, and when I walk outside, I see the people in my community, and I feel connected to my Country. I’m happy that everyone, including my family, can see the work I make and the stories I’m telling through this partnership.”
Joanna Poon, Senior Frame Portfolio Manager at Specsavers said the frames have been designed and manufactured using sustainable materials. “The result is a collection that blends contemporary eyewear design with a strong artistic influence, offering something both functional and visually unique.”
Contributing to Essential Care
It is estimated that one in four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults has never had an eye test, and they are three times more likely to experience vision impairment or blindness than non-Indigenous Australians.
In an effort to change this, Specsavers has partnered with The Fred Hollows Foundation for over 15 years providing donations to help:
- Screen over 155,550 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,
- Conduct over 20,750 cataract surgeries and other eye treatments,
- Provide over 16,400 treatments for diabetic retinopathy, and
- Train over 1,000 health care workers to deliver culturally responsive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In 2025 alone, funds raised through the partnership helped support The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program to screen more than 24,000 people, deliver over 330 surgeries, and provide 3,600 diabetic retinopathy treatments.
Cathy Rennie Matos, Head of Sustainability at Specsavers said, “Through this collaboration, we’re continuing our commitment to improving access to eye care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and supporting work that helps close the gap in preventable vision loss.”
Tanya Morris, Indigenous Australia Program Director at The Fred Hollows Foundation said, “Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can benefit from timely access to eye care, with much vision loss being preventable or treatable through culturally responsive services and strong community-led approaches.”
“The recent WHO declaration that Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem is an important milestone for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and a reminder of what long-term partnership and community-led care can achieve.”
“Support from partners like Specsavers helps strengthen access to eye care, enabling more people to maintain good vision and continue participating fully in their families, communities and cultures.”
Specsavers aims to raise $500,000 for The Foundation through the sale of this year’s limited-edition glasses collection, which is sold exclusively at Specsavers, in-store and online. Each pair comes with a collector’s case and cleaning cloth featuring Atipalku Intjalki’s design.
